By Blake Jackson
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has confirmed the spread of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) to several counties, including Albany, Schenectady, Ontario, and Seneca. This non-native insect, first identified in Pennsylvania in 2014, has now been detected in 18 states, with New York’s first sighting occurring in late summer 2020 on Staten Island. Since then, SLF has expanded its range in the state, and in July 2024, it was found near the grape-growing region of the Finger Lakes in Romulus. New populations have also been reported in areas such as Geneva, Schenectady, and Cohoes.
SLF is a major threat to New York’s agricultural economy, feeding on over 100 plant species, including tree-of-heaven, grapes, and other crops. This feeding can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to disease and other insect attacks. SLF also produces a sticky substance called "honeydew," which attracts sooty mold and interferes with photosynthesis, harming plant growth and fruit yields.
To help control the spread of SLF, the Department urges residents to report any sightings, scrape egg masses, and take specific steps if they encounter the insect. These steps include taking a photo, collecting a sample by placing it in a freezer or jar with rubbing alcohol, and reporting the sighting on the Department’s website. Travelers leaving infested areas are also encouraged to check their vehicles and belongings for SLF egg masses and destroy them by scraping.
The economic impact of invasive insects in the U.S. exceeds $70 billion annually, and SLF could cause at least $300 million in damage to New York’s agriculture, particularly the grape and wine industry, which ranks third in the nation for production. The insect also poses a threat to quality of life, as swarms of SLF and the honeydew it excretes can disrupt recreational activities. For more information, visit the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets website.
Photo Credit: spotted-lanternfly-pennsylvania-department-of-agriculture
Categories: New York, Crops, General